I’m sure all MMA fighters keep getting asked the same question over and over again. Is mixed martial arts real or fake? Let’s examine both sides of this contentious issue. As a bench mark we shall compare with the precursor to MMA, the ancient art of 1980s professional wrestling.

Now firstly, the predominant organization for MMA is the UFC, and as we all know the UFC is a progressive politically correct 21st Century organization. Its champions encompass both sexes as well as both genders. Witness the staggering popularity of ex-champion Rowdy Ronda Rousey. I’m not sure which one of the women on the left is her, but anyways …

Take a look at the height of the benchmark set by 1980s professional wrestling! Not only did it also showcase both sexes and both genders, but professional wrestling went one step further and took great pains to highlight and promote the lesser known ambiguous sexes and genders. That’s Jesse the Body Ventura, who also went on to become the Governor of Minnesota. What can I say, Minnesota is cold.

Also, professional wrestling does not discriminate against body size the way that UFC does, with its restrictive weight categories. Hey there Andre the Giant, I miss you. And so do all the Little People.

Not only that, but professional wrestling did its bit to represent the lesser known races, such as Native Americans.

As we all know, professional wrestling was as real as real could get. Its astounding diversity is a testament to this. The UFC still has some ways to go to meet this level of global awareness, so in my opinion, the verdict is still out. Is the UFC (and all of MMA) real or fake? Only time will tell.

We go to the Martial Arts Studio (is that even what it’s called?) tonight for a tryout with the teacher. My daughter wants to do Karate, but all I know about Karate I learned from Mr. Miyagi. All I know about the UFC and fighting is from Dana White (isn’t that his name?) I believe that the UFC/MMA is real from what I’ve seen. Is it really real? I’m not 100% sure but it looks believable enough on tv.